The outback of Australia is the place we all think of when we think of the true Aussie experience, with kangaroos hopping down the street, desert-like landscapes, and lush bushland waiting to be explored. It’s also a place that many think of visiting, but never actually get round to doing so. I mean, we don’t blame you…a lot of it is located in the middle of absolute nowhere. Did you know that the center of Australia is pretty much all untouched outback land?
While you may overlook a visit to the outback, here are 10 reasons why we think it should be a priority before you leave the Land of Oz. It wouldn’t be a true Aussie visit without it!
1. Witnessing iconic Aussie animals in their natural habitat
While you may not see a kangaroo hopping down the street in a Sydney suburb, the outback of Australia is a completely different story. Every animal or insect you have ever heard about before visiting the country (especially the dangerous ones) reside in the desert lands of the outback. From poisonous snakes to the famous Australian dingo, there will be no shortage of wildlife spotting.
2. You can check out one of the many movie sets
Due to its unique, Mars-like landscape, many directors have chosen to travel across the world to film in locations across the Australian outback. Mad Max 2 was filmed in Silverton, New South Wales, in a spooky abandoned ghost town. The pub, one of the main features of the town, actually has Max’s car still parked outside to this day.
3. Experiencing Ayers Rock in all its glory
The famous Ayers Rock, located in Uluru, is a rather large sandstone rock formation in the Northern Territory. It is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, being a very popular destination amongst tourists who flock in great numbers to witness this rock in all its glory. We understand why, as it’s pretty cool to witness a rock that was formed a whopping 550 million years ago.
4. You can enjoy views of some of Australia’s best sunsets
The outback of Australia is known to boast some of most epic sunsets in Australia. The sky fills up with shades of orange and red as it beams down on the desert landscape, creating a truly magical thing to witness.
5. ...And sunrises
The sunrises are no exception. As the sun begins to rise in the distance, the light touches the landscape for the first time, creating a truly epic start to your day. Ayers Rock at sunrise allows for some truly spectacular photo-ops as the bright orange rock explodes with color.
6. Explore the waterfalls and canyons
While the outback may seem like just a whole lot of desert (which it is), there’s also some amazing water scenery to discover. What better way to end your day in the scorching hot outback than with a swim in one of the spectacular watering holes, with a waterfall flowing into it? Just make sure to watch out for crocs… just kidding (but not really).
7. Experience complete remoteness
You could drive for miles and never see another soul, and you will likely not run into people on your hike through the Australian bushland. There will be towns that you visit that are completely abandoned, and campsites where not even a kangaroo will pay a visit. It is truly so remote that you will be able to appreciate the landscape without any distractions. Allow yourself to unplug and take it all in.
8. Enjoy the magnificent star gazing
A big plus of complete remoteness is the complete lack of light pollution from big cities, meaning that nighttime stargazing will be like nothing you have ever seen before. Prepare for a spectacular night show every single night as the stars fill the sky, creating a complete dome of stars around you.
9. Experience #VanLife
If you’re traveling throughout the outback, chances are you’re camping along the way since there are little opportunities to stop at a five-star resort. This means you get to experience #VanLife in all its glory, sleeping in the bushland, waking up to an epic sunrises, and going without a shower for longer than you want to admit. It’s the dream!
10. Enjoy views that go on forever
The flat desert landscape of the outback seems as though it goes on forever, with so much untouched land that’s waiting to be discovered. So, what are you waiting for?
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